This lesson is designed to be done independently, consecutively, or concurrently with the Rolling Resistance, Transmission, Electric Power Source, and Electric Motor Lessons for the Electric Vehicle (EV) Unit. Power efficiency is the goal of all good environmentally conscious designs. As you will see throughout the EV unit, there are many factors that influence this [...]
*Please note that while this unit is complete, we are in the process of updating both the curriculum and the standards. This activity will introduce students to the use of compressed air as a means of propulsion. The goal is to allow students to discover the relationship between the amount of compressed air and the [...]
This investigation is to introduce/solidify students’ working knowledge of sorting and classification. Through this process students will investigate light transmittance through everyday objects. The students will perform a simple flashlight test to classify objects into three predetermined groups; that of transparent, translucent, and opaque. Students will create class graphs to represent the discoveries. An in [...]
Although the sun is the primary source of energy for all life, it can also be considered a toxin. The essence of this lesson is to have students understand that a toxin is a poisonous substance and that the sun is an example of a toxin. Students will be introduced to other toxins including ones [...]
As industries transition from assembly lines to advanced manufacturing, there are more machines being utilized in the manufacturing and assembly process. These machines, as all machines do, require lubricants to run smoothly and efficiently. Owners also use chemical liquids to clean the machines periodically to maintain their performance. Once these lubricants and industrial cleaners are [...]
Students inquire how to stop an oil leak in a model of the BP oil leak in the Gulf by simulating the situation in a 10 gallon aquarium. Students generate potential solutions, which are then tested and redesigned. Students learn about natural factors involved in this real life situation and scenario including ocean depth, properties of [...]
In studies done with pilots testing cockpit displays, lower reaction times (more desirable) were found with chromatic color schemes when compared to monochrome codes. Careful management of color must be utilized to “meet legibility, attention management, and color coding demands” in the new complex cockpit and air traffic control displays. This investigation will help students [...]
Students will explore thermal insulators through a design challenge in which students study and test insulative properties of common materials after which they will conduct data analysis and use their findings to propose a solution for the design challenge. This lesson includes a student designed experiment as well as a structured experiment. If you have [...]
Students will investigate and explore the use of solar energy as a means to heat a home. In order to understand how solar energy can be harnessed, students will define solar energy, explore photovoltaic cells, and investigate passive solar energy. After gaining understanding about the concepts of solar energy, students will build a solar-heated model [...]
This activity will familiarize students with the history of aircraft propulsion beginning with the modeling of a vehicle using a propeller as a means of propulsion. The goal is to allow students to design an aircraft using specific materials that utilize air propulsion from a balloon as a means to travel. Using tools of measurement [...]
